The South Carolina Department of Transportation (877-349-7190) requires liability and uninsured motorist with limits of 25/50/25 for oversize/overweight vehicles. Also, check with the Public Service Commission at 803-896-5230 for additional information on vehicles for hire such as taxis, buses, etc.

South Carolina is a tort liability state, which means the not-at-fault person can pursue a claim against the at-fault party. South Carolina is also comparative negligence, which means you can be barred from collecting for the percentage you contributed to the accident.

Yes, as of 3/1/99, there is no mandate to write automobile insurance. You must shop around to find a company that will insure you. If you cannot find a company to insure you, then you will need to contact the Associated Auto Insurers Plan of South Carolina (AAIPSC) at .866-560-4100.

In general, insurance companies should pay all claims in a prompt and reasonable amount of time. However, what constitutes "prompt and reasonable" may vary from claim to claim. Claims that require a special or extended investigation may take longer to resolve. Inclement weather conditions, coverage issues, and the number of vehicles involved in an accident can slow the process down.

After your vehicle has been declared a total loss, you can retain the salvage; however, the value of the salvaged vehicle must be deducted from the actual cash value of the vehicle when the insurer pays you. The Department of Motor Vehicles, in these cases, do require the insurer to obtain your title from you and send it to them. The Department of Motor Vehicles will reissue your title to you with salvage on the title.

Yes. The Blue Book is only a guide. The company is required to pay you what your vehicle was actually worth (as a used car) the moment before the crash. The adjuster will find out how much used cars like yours (same make, model, year, and milege) are going for in your area. It's a good idea for you to independently research the value of your car too.

You can have it repaired wherever you choose. But no matter what shop you choose, the adjuster will base your claim payment on market price for the repairs and pay the local average rates for parts & labor.

When the claim is against the other driver's company, the other driver’s company is required by law to reimburse your loss of use for what is reasonable and necessary. However, some insurers will do a direct bill with a rental car company.

If the car is totaled, many companies pay for your rental or reimburse you until a settlement has been offered.

Because your car is collateral for your loan, the leinholder (or whoever is financing the car) has an interest in making sure the money is used to repair the car and not for something else. In most situations, you have listed your financial institution as leinholder per their requirement.

The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles requires you to carry uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage has a $200.00 deductible. If your carrier collects back their payout from the uninsured motorist, you should be refunded your deductible.

Yes. Your liability insurance covers lawsuits. Your company has a duty to provide a lawyer to represent you in lawsuits accusing you of negligence in driving your car. If you receive a summons or notice of a lawsuit, notify your company right away. Although the company pays for the lawyer, the lawyer's ethical duty is to represent your best interest. There is no policy limit on how much the company must pay the lawyer to represent you.

If the case is settled or there is a judgment against you, the company will pay up to the policy limit . But if the court judgment or settlement is more than your policy limits, you will have to pay the difference. The company may refuse to defend you if you are accused of intentionally injuring someone or intentionally damaging property.

An applicant must be 18 years old or older, a resident of South Carolina, and a person of good moral character who has not been convicted of a felony or crime involving moral turpitude within the last 10 years, has knowledge, training, or experience of sufficient duration and extent to satisfy reasonably the director of insurance that he or she possesses the competence necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of a licensee. (South Carolina Code Section 38-53-90)

Yes. The total number of pre-licensing educational hours required for a professional bondsman and runner is 20 hours. The total number of pre-licensing educational hours for a surety bondsman is 60 hours, since these bondsmen are licensed as insurance agents. (South Carolina Code Section 38-53-85)

Yes. Professional bondsmen and surety bondsmen are required to pay the clerk of court of his or her home county the sum of $150 annually for each licensee. There are no fees for runner bondsmen in their home county. Each professional bondsman, surety bondsman, and runner is required to pay any other county where he or she is doing business the sum of $100 to the clerk of court. (South Carolina Code Section 38-53-100)

A bondsman can write four times the amount of collateral pledged to his/her home county clerk of court. Example: $10,000 pledged as collateral will allow the bondsman to write up to $40,000 in bail bonds. (South Carolina Code Section 38-53-270)

Yes, you can become a surety on a bond without being issued a license from the Department of Insurance. This is called an "accommodation bondsman" However, you must be 18 years of age, a resident of this state, and provide satisfactory evidence of ownership, value, and marketability of real property by pledging your collateral with the clerk of court. You cannot receive or promise money or other things of value for this service. (South Carolina Code Section 38-53-10(1)

Yes, a bondsman is permitted to accept collateral security or other indemnity from the principal, which must be returned to the principal once the case has been disposed of by the court. A written receipt (full description) for the collateral taken must be given. (South Carolina Code Section 38-53-170 (E))

Yes, each professional bondsman is required to furnish his/her home county clerk of court and any other county where he/she is doing business a written report of all bonds he/she is liable for as of the first day of each month. This report must be submitted to the county clerk of court by the 15th day of each month. (South Carolina Code Section 38-53-230)

A bondsman who exceeds his limitation may not sign, endorse, execute, or become a surety on any additional bail bonds or pledge or deposit any cash, check, or other security of any nature in lieu of a bail bond in any county in this state until he has made the additional deposit of securities. (South Carolina Code Section 38-53-300)

No. A runner bondsman can only work for one bail bondsman at a time who shall supervise the work of the runner and is responsible for the runner's conduct in the bail bond business. (South Carolina Code Section 38-53-120)

Yes. All bondsmen are subject to the same examination procedures prescribed by law for domestic insurance companies. The Department of Insurance has free access to all books and records of the bondsman as it relates to his bail bond business. (South Carolina Code Section 38-53-110)

A bondsman who discontinues writing bail bonds during the period he/she is licensed should notify the clerk of court(s) with whom he/she is registered and return his/her license to the Department of Insurance within 30 days after discontinuance of writing bail bonds. (South Carolina Code Section 38-53-220)

Yes. The total number of hours required for a bondsman or runner is 20 pre-licensing hours.(South Carolina Code Section 38-53-85). The total number of continuing education hours for a bondsman or runner is 6 CE hours. (South Carolina Code Section 38-53-85)

Yes. a professional and surety bondsman is required to pay the clerk of court of his home county the sum of $150 annually for each licensee. There are no fees for a runner bondsman in his home county. Each bondsman, and runner is required to pay any other county where he is doing business the sum of $100 to the clerk of court. (South Carolina Code Section 38-53-100)

Yes. A professional and surety bondsman are required to pay the clerk of court of his home county the sum of $150 annually for each licensee. There are no fees for a runner bondsman in his home county. Each bondsman and runner is required to pay any other county where he or she is doing business the sum of $100 to the clerk of court. (South Carolina Code Section 38-53-100)

A bondsman must maintain one-fourth the value of each bond written in securities with his home county clerk of court. Example: $10,000 bond executed will require a professional bondsman to have $2,500 in securities held in trust by the clerk of court. (South Carolina Code Section 38-53-270)

No. No person may act in the capacity of a professional, surety or runner bondsman or perform any of the functions, duties, or powers prescribed for a professional, surety or runner bondsman without first being licensed. (South Carolina Code 38-53-80).

An applicant must be 18 years old or older, a resident of South Carolina, and a person of good moral character who has not been convicted of a felony or crime involving moral turpitude within the last 10 years, has knowledge, training, or experience of sufficient duration and extent to satisfy reasonably the director of insurance that he or she possesses the competence necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of a licensee. (South Carolina Code Section 38-53-90)

Yes, you can become surety on a bond and act as an accommodation bondsman without being licensed by the Department of Insurance. However, you must be 18 years of age, a resident of this state, and provide satisfactory evidence of ownership, value, and marketability of real property by pledging your collateral with the clerk of court. You cannot receive or promise money or other things of value for this pledge. (South Carolina Code Section 38-53-10(1))

After the paperwork is received from the Department's Accounting Division, applications can be processed in 3 to 7 business days. The processing time depends on the amount of paperwork received by the Licensing Division.

There are several steps involved in processing an application. Paperwork with checks attached are sent to the Accounting Division for processing of the check. The Accounting Division enters the check number, name and FEIN/SSN. An invoice is generated for payment of the entity. After the invoice is generated, the licensing paperwork is forwarded to the Licensing Division. The Licensing Division must ensure each entity application meets the requirements established by state law. Once the information is verified and approved by our processors, the application is entered into the database. If all required paperwork has been submitted and additional information is not needed, the license is processed. Entities can check the status of their license on the Department’s website, https://online.doi.sc.gov/Eng/Public/Queries/AgncyLicSrch.aspx. When the license shows active, the license can be printed from the Department’s website, https://online.doi.sc.gov/Eng/Members/Companies/AgncyLicPrintTerms.aspx.

a) Go to the Department’s website at www.doi.sc.govb) Select Online Servicesc) Select Search SCDOI Database under the General Public heading or at the top of the paged) Click on Search for Agencies or Search for Companiese) Enter the Agency or Company Name and click Searchf) The entity’s license number will be shown there.

A copy of the agency license may be printed from the Department’s website at no cost by performing the following steps:

a. Go to the Department’s website at: www.doi.sc.gov b. Select Online Services c. Select Print Agency License under the Registered Agency Users heading d. Click on the I Agree button at the bottom of the Terms of Use page e. Key in the FEIN and Agency Code in the format as shown next to the FEIN and Agency Code boxes and click Login; f. Click Print License;

Copies of Duplicate or Amended license can be obtained any time using steps a-f above.

Rental Car and Portable Electronics companies must contact our office for a copy of the license.

Agencies can change their address by using the Department’s online services. Each agency is assigned a userID and password when the agency becomes licensed in South Carolina. The userID and password is sent to the agency with the new South Carolina license. Agencies can change their address online at https://online.doi.sc.gov/Eng/Members/Login.aspx.

If the licensee is unable to change the address online, the address change must be submitted via US mail or email on the proscribed form found on our website.

The licensing division will not accept faxed address change requests. In addition, we will not accept third-party or unsigned address change requests.

You will need to send an email to the Department’s technology area at irmmail@doi.sc.gov and ask that your userID and password be reset. Make sure you include your name and your license number. Someone from the technology area will reset your information and contact you by email. The Department cannot provide you this information by phone.

You will need to send an email to the Department’s technology area at irmmail@doi.sc.gov and ask that your userID and password be reset. Make sure you include your name and your license number. Someone from the technology area will reset your information and contact you by email. The Department cannot provide you this information by phone.

A Letter of Certification may be requested either by mail with a $3 fee per letter or on-line at www.doi.sc.gov. “Online Services,” “Registered Agency Users”, “Generate Agency Certification Letter.” There is no fee for the online request.

A self-addressed stamped envelope is required with the written request sent to the Department.

A Letter of Clearance may be requested via mail including a $3 fee per letter payable to South Carolina Insurance Department. The entity must submit a signed statement requesting the license be cancelled and a letter of clearance issued. A self-addressed stamped envelope is required with the request sent by US mail.

The Business Entity and Rental Car Company must complete the licensing application and pay a $40 licensing fee. The Portable Electronics vendor must complete the licensing application and pay a $1000 licensing fee.

The entity must be licensed for the same lines of authority in their state of domicile. The nonresident must complete an online licensing application and pay a $40 ($1000 for Portable Electronics vendor) fee at www.nipr.com.

The entity must apply and become licensed in the new home state. Once the new home state has issued a license, the entity can apply and pay online at www.nipr.com for a nonresident license in South Carolina.

Verify license status by first clicking on “Online Services” then “Search SCDOI Database” on the Department’s home page. Click on “Search for Agencies” or “Search for Companies” enter either the SC Agency code or the name. Next click on “Search”. Once you have found the entity’s name, click on the entity’s name and this will take you to the “Agency Demographics and License Information” page. On this page you will find the license type, license status and license qualifications.

Put your request in writing to Steve Dubois at the South Carolina Department of Insurance or email to sdubois@doi.sc.gov. A fee will be charged for your request. The address is P. O. Box 100105, Columbia, SC 29202.

Catastrophe savings accounts allow you to set money aside, state income tax-free, to pay for qualified catastrophe expenses. The account is subject to dollar limitations. The amount you contribute to your catastrophe savings account can be deducted in computing your South Carolina taxable income.

Any interest earned by the catastrophe savings account will be exempt from state income tax and should be subtracted in computing your South Carolina taxable income. If you withdraw funds from your catastrophe savings account to pay for qualified catastrophe expenses, you do not have to include the withdrawal in your South Carolina taxable income.

Qualified catastrophe expenses are expenses paid or incurred by reason of a major disaster that has been declared by the governor to be an emergency by executive order. These expenses include payment of insurance deductibles and other uninsured risks of loss from hurricane, rising flood-waters, or other catastrophic windstorm event damage.

Example: Tom has a $1,000 insurance deductible. Tom established a catastrophe savings account. Hurricane Devon made landfall in South Carolina and the governor declared a state of emergency. Tom can withdraw money from his catastrophe savings account to pay for the $1,000 insurance deductible. The $1,000 withdrawal will not be included in his South Carolina taxable income for that year.

The account must be labeled as “catastrophe savings account.” A taxpayer can establish only one catastrophe savings account and must specify that the purpose of the account is to cover insurance deductibles and other uninsured risks caused by hurricanes, rising floodwater, or other catastrophic windstorm events.

South Carolina residents who own a single family residence (house, condo, townhouse, or modular or mobile home) that qualifies as a legal residence for South Carolina property tax purposes can contribute to a catastrophe savings account.

Catastrophe savings accounts can be established at a state or federally chartered bank. The account must be kept separate from all other accounts (e.g., checking or savings accounts, IRAs, medical care savings accounts, and so on). It must be maintained specifically for the purpose of qualified catastrophe expenses incurred by the account holder.

The account holder, not the financial institution, is required to maintain documentation to verify that the withdrawals from the catastrophe savings account were used exclusively for qualified catastrophe expenses.

Yes. Funds contributed to the catastrophe savings account can come from any source. Regardless of the source of the funds, the contribution can be deducted in computing your South Carolina taxable income.

Account holders who make a withdrawal from their catastrophe savings account to pay for qualified catastrophe expenses should keep records to verify, in case of an audit, that withdrawals were properly used to pay qualifying expenses.

You can log into the Company Tax Application one of two methods. (A) Click on Online Services from our home page; scroll down to Registered Company Users; choose File/Amend Tax Return or File Quarterly Taxes. You will need your user id and password to log into the applications. (B) Click on SCDOI Connect Login from our home page and enter your user id and password.

Effective January 1, 2010, South Carolina law allowing continuing education exemptions have been repealed. Consequently, an exempt producer adding a new line of authority will lose their exemption status; therefore, that producer will have to complete continuing education hours by the end of his/her compliance period. In addition, once a producer adds a line of authority the producer cannot request that the Department remove that line of authority to retain his/her exemption status.

However, if an exempt producer adds a line of authority within 90 days of their compliance period ending that producer will not have to complete continuing education hours in the new line of authority for that compliance period, but that producer will have to complete continuing education in the existing line of authority.

For example: An exempt producer who holds life and health with a December birth month of an even year and adds property and casualty to their existing license, that producer will lose their exemption status. The producer will have to complete 24 hours of continuing education in life and health line of authority and pay the record keeping fee to the Continuing Education Administrator, Prometric, regardless of when the new lines are added.

If the producer adds property and casualty, October 3, 2014 prior to their compliance period ending December 31 of the same even year, that producer will not be required to complete continuing education in the new line of authority (property and casualty) during their compliance period.

If the producer adds property and casualty on or before October 2, 2014 prior to their compliance period ending December 31 of the same even year, that producer will be required to complete continuing education in the new line of authority (property and casualty) for their compliance period.

Effective January 1, 2010, South Carolina law allowing a reduction in continuing education hours has been repealed. Consequently, producers who have reduced continuing education hours who add a new line of authority to their producer license will lose their continuing education reduction hours status and will have to complete the required 24 hours of continuing education by the end of their compliance period.

For example: A producer with reduced continuing education compliance who holds life and health with a December birth month of an even year and adds property and casualty to their existing license, that producer will lose their reduced continuing education hours compliance. The producer will have to complete 24 hours of continuing education in life and health line of authority and pay the record keeping fee to the Continuing Education Administrator, Prometric, regardless of when the new lines are added.

If the producer adds property and casualty, October 3, 2014 prior to their compliance period ending December 31 of the same even year, that producer will not be required to complete continuing education in the new line of authority (property and casualty) during their compliance period.

If the producer adds property and casualty on or before October 2, 2014 prior to their compliance period ending December 31 of the same even year, that producer will be required to complete continuing education in the new line of authority (property and casualty) for their compliance period.

No. The laws have been changed to remove a requirement for pre-licensing education. Hence, no continuing education (CE) credit will be awarded based on completing such a course for adding an additional line of authority.

All licensed resident producers in South Carolina who are not exempt must complete 24 hours of continuing insurance education. Three of these hours must be in ethics; eight hours must be in each line of authority held. The remaining hours may be taken in any line of authority.

Failure to renew the license will result in the lapse of the license on the day following the licensee’s compliance deadline. Producers may reinstate a license by paying a penalty fee to the South Carolina Department of Insurance. The amount of the penalty fee is based on the date the license is renewed. If renewed within 30 days, the penalty fee is $50; if renewed within 31-60 days the penalty fee is $100; if renewed 61 days and after the penalty fee is $250. If renewal is not completed within six months of the license being lapsed, the license and all appointments will be canceled. To regain licensure the producer will be required to reapply and meet all the requirements of a new applicant.

If you hold property, casualty, life, accident, and health authorities, you must complete at least eight of the 24 required hours in courses related to each of these lines of authority, plus three hours of Ethics. If you earn more than three Ethics credits, they will be applied towards your 24 hour credit requirement.

Producers that received a reduction in hours will have to complete 15 hours of CE biennially by the last day of their birth month/year; three of the 15 hours must be in Ethics. Producers with reduced compliance and hold multi-lines must complete six hours in Property and Casualty; six hours in Life, Accident, and Health; and three hours of Ethics. Producers that add additional lines of authority or allow their licenses to become inactive will lose their reduction in hours.

A producer may repeat a continuing education course, but credit must not be given more than once for a course repeated during a biennial compliance period and within two years of its original completion date.

You may access a list of approved courses on Prometric’s website. On advertisements, look for courses which have been approved for South Carolina continuing insurance education credit. If you have any doubt, call Prometric at 1-800-490-6551 and request a listing of all approved courses and sponsors.

In accordance with the changes to Regulation 69-50 regarding proctor approval, we are no longer approving proctors. Producers are no longer required to use a state approved proctor to proctor their continuing education courses. They may now use any disinterested third party to proctor their exam. That third party may not be their employer, employee, supervisor, relative, spouse, or minor.

South Carolina law allowing exemptions and reduced continuing education hours was repealed effective January 1, 2010. No new exemption requests or reduced continuing education hour requests will be processed. Producers who were granted an exemption or a reduction in continuing education hours prior to January 1, 2010 will remain exempt or will continue to have a reduction in continuing education hours. However, exempt producers or producers with a reduction in continuing education hours who add a new line of authority or allow their license to become inactive will lose their exemption status or lose their reduction in continuing education hour status and will be required to comply with all CE requirements.

Effective January, 2010, South Carolina law allowing continuing education exemptions have been repealed. Consequently, exempt producers who add a new line of authority to their producer license will lose their exemption status. In addition, once a producer adds a line of authority the producer cannot request that the line of authority be removed to retain his or her exemption status.

Hardship waiver requests may only be granted for good cause and must be made in writing to the South Carolina Department of Insurance prior to the end of your compliance period. The continuing education (CE) record-keeping fee must still be paid to Prometric and the license renewal fee must be paid to the South Carolina Department of Insurance by your compliance period deadline. The request for a hardship waiver must be received prior to the end of the producer’s compliance period.

The biennial fee is $15. Resident producers subject to the CE requirement must pay the CE reporting fee. The fee must be paid biennially by the last day of your birth month/year. Producers cannot be compliant if the fee is not paid even if other requirements have been met.

Prometric will send a fee notice to your address on record 90 days prior to the end of your compliance period. You may pay your reporting fees on Prometric’s website.

You may also pay by check, American Express, Visa, or MasterCard. Make checks payable to Prometric and mail to:Prometric Operations CenterATTN: Continuing Education Processing7941 Corporate DriveNottingham MD 21236

Your license will lapse. If the fee is paid late, in addition to payment of the fee a $50 late penalty fee must be paid to the South Carolina Department of Insurance. You cannot be compliant unless the fee is paid. View the Consequences of Failure to Comply page for non-compliance information.

On June 2, 2009, the Governor signed into law Act No.69. This new law requires all licensed producers except limited lines producers and exempt producers to complete CE requirements biennially by the end of their birth month. Producers born in an odd numbered year must comply biennially by the end of their birth month every odd numbered year. Producers born in an even numbered year must comply by the end of their birth month every even numbered year. Producers must also renew their license by the end of their birth month in an odd or even numbered year. No one is exempt from renewal requirements except limited lines producers with travel baggage only.

The course sponsor must give you a certificate of course completion. They must also provide this information to Prometric, the continuing education (CE) administrator, electronically or on an approved roster. Sponsors may obtain an approved roster by contacting the department’s Continuing Education Division by calling 803-737-6223.

Approximately 90 days before your compliance deadline Prometric will mail a warning notice to the address on record for each resident who is not yet compliant. Producers should contact Prometric to find out if they have complied with CE.

On or about July 1, 2014, Prometric will furnish each insurer a report of the continuing education status of all of its resident producers with a CE requirement. In addition, insurers can perform a search of South Carolina's database to determine which producers have lapsed for their company.

A total of 24 hours is required by the end of your compliance period. Of those 24 credit hours, at least three hours must be from courses categorized as Ethics. In addition, a biennial fee of $15 is required. Resident producers subject to the continuing education (CE) requirement must biennially pay the CE reporting fee by the last day of your birth month/year. Producers cannot be compliant if the fee is not paid even if other requirements have been met.

As long as you hold an active resident producer license, our office will not require you to obtain a SLED report when applying for another resident license (adjuster, appraiser, public adjuster, or surplus lines broker).

There is no fee or fine for failure to submit fingerprints. However, if fingerprints are not submitted by the last day of the birth month, the license will lapse for failure to comply. The producer will then have 6 months to reinstate the license. If fingerprints are not received before the lapse period is over, the license will cancel and you will have to start over with a new application, test, fingerprints, and license fee.

You may be eligible for protection under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) law and entitled to a minimum of 18 months of continuation coverage. You can find out more about COBRA continuation of group health benefits from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration. You may contact them by calling 1-866-444-3272.

The South Carolina Department of Insurance does not regulate employers. Most employers terminate coverage at midnight on the day you leave. The employer should offer you the option of continuing your insurance through Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) (if he has 20 or more employees) or through the State Continuation of Benefits (if he has less than 20 employees and you have been covered by the group plan for six consecutive months).

Please note that under COBRA or State Continuation of Benefits, the former employee must pay the employer's portion, the employee's portion, and on COBRA, the employer may charge a 2% surcharge. There are limitations to the periods of time one can be covered. Please call us at 803-737-6180 for more information.

You have two options. You can apply for individual health coverage. The individual health insurance company underwriters do have the right to accept or reject your application. If they chose not to accept you under their plan then you would be eligible for the South Carolina Health Insurance Pool (SCHIP). The SCHIP is a state health plan designed to provide coverage for those who either do not have or have lost medical coverage at no fault of their own and are uninsurable. The SCHIP coverage is not an insurance policy nor is it a Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina policy. The SCHIP coverage is administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina.

Apparently, your employer is deducting your insurance premiums from your paycheck prior to assessing income taxes. There are only certain situations in which the federal government allows you to make changes in your deductions, except at the beginning of your new tax year. If you wish to have the specifics on this situation, please call the federal IRS at 1-800-829-1040. That is a tax regulation, not an insurance regulation.

An employer may choose to “self-insure” by paying out benefits from its own funds. Typically, an insurance company is used to administer the program, but the liability for paying for the care of the workers rests on the employer. It is important for workers to understand that if their employer “self-insures,” state patient protections (such as access to internal and external appeals processes, assurance of certain benefits, and the right to have grievances heard by the state insurance department) do not apply. All federal protections (i.e., Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act [HIPAA] and Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act [COBRA]) do remain.

The federal Medicare program pays most medical expenses for people 65 or older or for individuals under 65 receiving social security disability benefits. However, Medicare does not pay all expenses. As a result, you may want to buy a Medicare supplement policy that helps pay for certain expenses, including deductibles not covered by Medicare.

If you are 65 or older and elect coverage under Medicare Part B, either due to age or disability, you have a six-month open enrollment for a Medicare supplement policy, which guarantees you coverage with a plan and company of your choice. You may choose from a list of standardized plans – listed as A through L. If you do not purchase a plan within your six-month open enrollment, any company you apply to can deny coverage based on your health conditions. There are some limited additional open enrollment periods available to some persons disenrolling from a Medicare health maintenance organization (HMO).

Medicare supplement policies may not include prescription drug coverage. Those who currently have a policy with prescription drug coverage may opt to keep that coverage or switch to the new Medicare prescription drug plans.

Medicare Advantage plans (formerly known as Medicare+Choice plans) are private managed care plans that provide the standard Medicare benefits, plus additional supplemental benefits for a monthly fee. These plans may include prescription drug coverage. Medicare Advantage participants may even receive a subsidy for their prescription drug benefits in most cases.

Medicare select plans provide supplemental benefits through a network of providers similar to a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO). If the participant received care for a provider under contract with the insurer, the cost will be lower.

The purpose of the Small Employer Health Insurance Availability Act is to promote the availability of health insurance coverage to small employers regardless of the health status or claims experience of their employees.

Under the Small Employer Health Insurance Availability Act, any eligible small employer who wishes to have group health insurance coverage for its employees, regardless of the health conditions in that employer group, can obtain health insurance coverage.

The Health Insurance Portability and Availability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) required that all products in the small employer market issued or renewed after July 1, 1997, must be guaranteed to be issued to a small employer group, regardless of the health status of its members.

If you do not enroll in the small employer group health insurance plan when you are first eligible, and decide to get the coverage later, then you will be considered a late enrollee.

In some instances, an employee may waive coverage under a small employer group, because he has other coverage. If that coverage is later lost, then that employee will not be considered a late enrollee if all of the following requirements are met:

The employee was covered by qualified previous coverage at the time he waived initial enrollment in the employer’s group plan.

The employee lost that qualified previous coverage as the result of termination of employment or eligibility, the involuntary termination of qualifying previous coverage, death of a spouse, or divorce.

The employee requests enrollment in the employer group health plan within 30 days of the termination of the qualifying previous coverage.

Yes. However, if you were previously covered under a creditable coverage and there was less than a 63 day break in coverage, then waiting periods met under the creditable coverage will be credited toward satisfying the pre-existing waiting periods under your new group policy.

No. Each insurer can determine its rates for a group based on the claims experience for all small employers insured by that insurer.

Your rate for your guaranteed issue policy can be affected by several factors, including: age, gender, geographic area, industry, and family composition. In addition, your group, not one individual, can be charged more due to the health conditions of members of the group.

Prior to June 10, 1997, premium rates in the small employer group market were based on a modified community rating. With the change in legislation on June 10, 1997, a carrier in the small employer market is allowed to charge no more than 25% over the index rate for a small employer group with health conditions.

No. An employer cannot “classify” employees. Eligible employees are defined as: employees of a single employer, the officers, managers, and employees of the employer and of subsidiary or affiliated corporations of a corporate employer and the individual proprietors, partners; and employees of individuals and firms the business of which is controlled by the insured employer through stock ownership, contract, or otherwise, who:

Your agent should be able to answer your questions for you. If not, then please feel free to contact the Consumer Services Division of the South Carolina Department of Insurance in Columbia at 803-737-6180 or 1-800-768-3467. You may also write to the department at:P.O. Box 100105Columbia, SC 29202

Your company can non-renew for any reason so long as the two requirements mandated by law are met. First, the company is required to put in writing the precise reason for the non-renewal. Second, the company must give 60 days advance notice for any non-renewal that would be effective between November 1 and May 31 and 90 days advance notice for any non-renewal that would be effective between June 1 and October 31. Section 38-75-740

There is, however, one exception. A policy can be non-renewed for claims even if the claims have not been your fault, though the law does not allow non-renewals for claims history if your only claims have been acts of God. Acts of God claims cannot be used when determining claim frequency. Section 38-75-790.

Conviction of a crime arising out of acts increasing the hazard insured against (for example, conviction for illegal storage of fireworks)

Discovery of willful or reckless acts or omissions by the insured increasing the hazard insured against (for example, not getting a gas leak fixed)

Physical changes in the property insured which result in the property becoming uninsurable (for example, should the home become vacant for more than 60 consecutive days, a greater exposure to vandalism and damage is assumed to exist)

A determination by the director of insurance that continuation of the policy would place the insurance company in violation of the law

Most homeowner policies cover damages to the dwelling caused by tornadoes or other wind damage. The homeowner policy covers the dwelling and personal contents items inside the home. The homeowner policy also covers storage buildings and other outside structures on the insured premises, including personal items inside the building.

Most mobile home policies will cover losses caused by wind. Storage buildings on the same premises of a mobile home are also generally covered under the mobile home policy. Most mobile home policies will also cover additional living expenses for the homeowner and his family if the mobile home was damaged by a covered loss such as wind.

Most homeowner and fire policies, with extended coverage, will not cover flood damages or claims resulting from rising water. Generally, a homeowner would need a flood insurance policy from the National Flood Insurance Plan to have protection for this type of loss.

The homeowner's policy requires the owner to protect his property from further damage following a loss. Generally, the cost of protecting the property from further damage is covered. Examples of the expenses covered include: tarps, polyethylene, lumber, shingles, sidings, etc. The homeowner should also begin making a list of damaged items for the insurance company. This will allow for the claim to be handled in a timely manner.

Most individuals with insurance claims receive contact from the insurance adjuster within 48 hours after the claim is reported. The resolution period of a claim will vary, depending upon how extensive the damage from a catastrophe. Generally, the insurance adjuster will schedule a time to meet with the homeowner and adjust the loss.

Most homeowner policies include coverage for additional living expenses. This coverage is designed to cover additional living expenses while repairs are being made to the damaged home. The company / agent should be contacted immediately.

Yes, most homeowners forms contain deductible provisions applicable to losses occurring under Section I (Section I losses include (a) dwelling, (b) appurtenant structure, (c) unscheduled personal property, and (d) additional living expenses.) The type and amount of deductible varies by company. Deductible provisions do not apply to Section II losses (Section II losses include personal liability [bodily injury and property damage] and medical payments to others). Some companies offer an optional deductible applicable only to wind or hail losses. Most offer higher deductible options such as $500 or $1,000 at a reduced premium.

Yes. Whether your policy pays for the replacement or just the actual cash value, the company is only obligated to pay for personal property that you can show you owned at the time of loss. It is a very good idea to keep an up-to-date inventory in a secure place. Also, to help you remember what you had, it is helpful to take pictures of each room and keep them with your inventory.

Most insurance policies exclude water damage for water which backs up through sewers or drains. You may wish to contact your agent to inquire about putting an endorsement on your policy, which would cover sewer back up.

Theft to watercraft, including furnishings, equipment, and outboard motors, are typically excluded if the theft occurs outside your residential premises. To adequately cover your boat and its accessories, you should contact your agent regarding a separate policy covering the boat.

Generally, your own policy should cover the loss. Your insurance company may be able to recover the amount it pays you for the loss and your deductible from the homeowner's insurance that your neighbor may have if the loss occurred as a result of your neighbor’s negligence.

After the paperwork is received from the Department’s Accounting Division, applications can be processed in 3 to 7 business days. The processing time depends on the amount of paperwork received by the Licensing Division.

There are several steps involved in processing an application. Paperwork with checks attached is sent to the Accounting Division for processing of the check. The Accounting Division enters the check number, name and SSN. An invoice is generated for payment of the applicant. After the invoice is generated, the licensing paperwork is forwarded to the Licensing Division. The Licensing Division must ensure each individual application meets the requirements established by state law. Once the information is verified and approved by our processors, the application is entered into the database. If all required paperwork has been submitted and additional information is not needed, the license is processed. Individuals can check the status of their license on the Department’s website. When the license shows active, the license can be printed from the Department’s website.

a. Go to the Department’s website at: www.doi.sc.gov;b. At the top left corner of the screen, select SCDOI Online Servicesc. Select Print License under General Public Individual Usersd. Key in the Social Security Number and Birth Date in the format as shown next to the SS# and DOB boxes and click enter;e. In the Drop Down menu, Choose License Typef. Click Print License;g. Copies of Duplicate or Amended license can be obtained any time using steps a-f above.

Resident and nonresident producers and brokers can change their address online at www.nipr.com. Click on ADDRESS CHANGE REQUEST.

Adjusters, appraisers and public adjusters who are licensed in their home state can also change their address online at www.nipr.com. Adjusters, appraisers and public adjusters who are not licensed in their home can change their address online by using the Department’s online services and creating an account at https://online.doi.sc.gov/Eng/Members/Individuals/CreateNewAcct.aspx. Once the account is created, the licensee needs to log into the system to update the address. This can be done at https://online.doi.sc.gov/Eng/Members/Login.aspx.

Agencies can change their address by using the Department’s online services. Each agency is assigned a user id and password when the agency becomes licensed in South Carolina. The user id and password is sent to the agency with the new South Carolina license. Agencies can change their address online at https://online.doi.sc.gov/Eng/Members/Login.aspx.

If the licensee is unable to change the address online, the address change must be submitted via US mail and must be signed by the licensee.

The licensing division will not accept email or faxed address change requests. In addition, we will not accept third-party or unsigned address change requests.

You will need to send an email to the Department’s technology area at irmmail@doi.sc.gov and ask that your user id and password be reset. Make sure you include your name and your license number. Someone from the technology area will reset your information and contact you by email. The Department cannot provide you this information by phone.

You will need to send an email to the Department’s technology area at irmmail@doi.sc.gov and ask that your user id and password be reset. Make sure you include your name and your license number. Someone from the technology area will reset your information and contact you by email. The Department cannot provide you this information by phone.

The licensee may mail or email on the proscribed form found on our website with legal verification showing the new name. For nonresidents, when a name change request has been received the licensing staff will verify that the individual’s name has been changed in their home state. Verification is done by reviewing the individual’s license information on the NAIC State Producer Database (SPLD). For a new license, the producer must print the license from the website.

A Letter of Certification may be requested either by mail with a $3 fee per letter or on-line at www.doi.sc.gov. “SCDOI Online Services,” “Generate Certificate of Authority.” There is no fee for the online request.

A self-addressed stamped envelope is required with the written request sent to the Department.

A Letter of Clearance may be requested via mail including a $3 fee per letter payable to South Carolina Insurance Department. The agent/producer must submit a signed statement requesting the license be cancelled and a letter of clearance issued. A self-addressed stamped envelope is required with the request sent by US mail. If the license has already been cancelled, the letter of clearance can be requested online at www.doi.sc.gov “SCDOI Online Services,” “Letter of Clearance for Individual.” There is no fee for the online request.

The resident producer shall submit a new application for the requested new line(s) with “Amend” at the top of the completed application; attach proof of passing the state licensing exam and the license fee. Nonresidents will complete an electronic application at www.nipr.com and pay the license fee.

The individual must apply and become licensed in the new home state. Before applying in the new home state, the South Carolina resident license should be canceled. Once the new home state has issued a license, the producer can apply and pay online at www.nipr.com for a nonresident license in South Carolina.

Cancel the license in the previous home state. After the license is canceled, submit a completed application to South Carolina along with the license fee. A letter of clearance from the home state is not required if South Carolina can verify on the State Producer Licensing Database (SPLD) that the license has been canceled in the previous home state. To exempt the state licensing examination the producer must submit an application within 90 days of canceling the license in the previous home state. If the license in the previous home state has been canceled for more than 90 days, in accordance with South Carolina law the individual is required to take South Carolina’s licensing examination.

The individual must hold a Life license to obtain a Variable license in South Carolina.

If applying for a resident license, submit a completed application, copy of NASD registration or series 6 or 7 test results and a $25 license fee. If the individual does not hold a Life license in South Carolina, then Life and Variable must be applied for at the same time.

Long term care is included with the life and accident and health line of authority.

Before selling long term care insurance in South Carolina, the producer must provide proof to the insurer that 8 hours of long term care training has been received. Thereafter, every two years the individual must provide to the insurer documentation that 4 hours of long term care training has been completed. Long term care training is only for producers who sell long term care insurance policies. Resident producers must complete South Carolina’s training requirements.

Verify license status by clicking on "Online Services", then “Search SCDOI Database” which is located at the top of the Department’s home page. Click on “Search for Individuals” enter either the license number or the first and last name. Next click on “Search”. Once you have found the individual’s name, click on the individual’s name and this will take you to the “Individual Demographics and License Information” page. On this page you will find the license type, license status and license qualifications. To find appointments for the producer click on “producer”. Click on each highlighted word to find more detailed information.

Put your request in writing to Steve Dubois at the South Carolina Department of Insurance or email to sdubois@doi.sc.gov. A fee is charged for your request. The address is P. O. Box 100105, Columbia, SC 29202.

You can find this information by clicking on “Online Services” then “Search SCDOI Database” which is located at the top of the Department’s home page at www.doi.sc.gov. Click on “Search for Individuals” enter either the license number or the first and last name. Next click on “Search”. Once you have found the individual’s name, click on the name and this will take you to the “Individual Demographics and License Information” page. On this page you will find the license type, license status and license qualifications. To find appointments for the producer click on “producer”. Click on each highlighted word to find more detailed information.

You are allowed no less than 10 days from the date a life insurance policy is delivered to review and evaluate the policy. A policy sold by mail order must provide a 30-day review period. Should you elect to return the policy for any reason during the "free look" period, the insurance company must refund any premium you paid

The insurer may contest a life insurance policy during the first two years after its date of issue. If the insurer finds that a material misrepresentation was made in the application that would have affected the insurer's decision to issue the policy, the carrier may void the policy. The company would have the responsibility only to refund premiums paid.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers a free, secure, national service that allows you to search for a deceased person's lost life insurance policies and/or annuities. You can access the NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator by going to doi.sc.gov/lpsearch.

Your contract (insurance policy) may provide for guaranteed interest rates and/or dividends the insurance company will pay on your premiums. But your premiums must make very high earnings before they will "pay up" your policy. The company must stand behind items that are guaranteed in the contract. Promises of "paid up" life insurance are illegal when based on non-guaranteed values. You would need documentation of the agent promising this. Documentation would include any writing containing the promise -- even an informal, handwritten note or a similar notation by an agent.

Only someone who has an "insurable interest" can purchase an insurance policy on your life. That means a stranger cannot buy a policy to insure your life. People with an insurable interest generally include members of your immediate family. In some circumstances your employer or business partner might also have an insurable interest.

Insurable interest may also be proper for institutions or people who become your major creditors.

Such ads are for "guaranteed issue" policies that ask no health history questions. The company knows it is taking a risk because people with bad health could buy their policies. The company balances the risk by charging higher premiums or by limiting the amount of insurance you can buy. The premiums can be almost as much as the insurance. After a few years you could pay more to the insurance company than it will have to pay to your beneficiary. Such policies may offer only the return of your premiums if you die within the first couple of years after you buy the policy.

Insurance agents sometimes refer to term insurance as "temporary" because the term policy lasts only for a specific period. It is probably no more "temporary" than your auto or homeowner insurance. Term policies provide coverage for a specific period of time and must be renewed when that period ends.

An agent may believe term is risky, but only because you could have a hard time buying a policy in the future if your health deteriorates or you cannot afford the higher premiums. Commissions could also be a reason for an agent who discourages term. The agent often makes less money for selling term policies than for other forms of life insurance.

No more than you have wasted money by buying car insurance but never having an accident. You've purchased peace of mind. With term life insurance, if you die during the term, you know the company will pay your beneficiaries.

Nothing wrong, but there is always a risk when you switch polices that you could be subject to a new contestability period. You start a new 2-year contestability period anytime you switch. If you die during that 2-year period, the insurance company can (and probably will) investigate the statements you made on your application. If you've given inaccurate or incomplete answers, the company may (and probably will) refuse to pay the death benefit.

The company plans to use the cash value to pay premiums until you die. If you take cash value out, there may not be enough to pay premiums. The company could require you to resume paying premiums, or reduce the amount of the death benefit to an amount that the remaining cash value will support.

It is a policy that may pay you dividends. You have a chance to "participate" in the company's earnings. A life insurance dividend is actually a refund of part of your premium. When a company collects more money in premiums than it needs to pay death claims and maintain the insurance pool for future claims, the company may pay dividends at the end of that year.

When you die, the insurance company will pay the death benefit. No matter how much cash value you may have had in the policy the moment before you died, your beneficiaries can collect no more than the stated death benefit. Any loans you have not repaid (plus interest) will be subtracted from the death benefit.

The result: your beneficiary could wind up with less than the face amount of the policy.

The exception: some whole life policies pay both the death benefit and the cash value when you die.

This is an insurance policy that is designed to help cover the costs of medical, personal, and social services when you are unable to take care of yourself due to prolonged illness or disability. These policies usually pay for skilled, intermediate, and custodial care in a nursing home. Home health care, adult day care, and assisted living care are also often covered. These policies usually pay a fixed amount per day or per visit to facilities or caregivers that are licensed by the state and/or participate in Medicaid and Medicare.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners, an organization of state insurance regulators, has prepared a variety of free resources to help consumers understand Long-Term Care Insurance. These resources are available through their Long-Term Care Insurance special section as well as Insure U, a NAIC website specifically designed to provide information and educational materials to consumers. Below are some examples of the free resources the NAIC has developed for consumers.

Benefits paid by a tax-qualified long-term care plan generally are not taxable as income. Benefits from a non-tax-qualified long term care plan may be taxable as income. Check with your tax advisor about the possibility of deducting a portion of the premiums paid in addition to the individual tax consequences involved.

Medicare will pay for some home health care and skilled nursing facility care following a hospital stay as a part of continuing care. It does not pay for nursing home care or longer-term home care. Medicare does not pay for most long-term care services. Individuals should not rely on Medicare to meet their long-term care service needs. Medicare does not pay for custodial care when that is the only kind of care needed. Find out more by visiting Medicare.gov's website.

Yes, please review the filing requirements listed in Bulletin 2010-04. The Uniform ComplianceSummary provides for each category, including a description and page number. This, along withthe certification will confirm compliance.

The current rating statutes apply. However, it is important to note that the new Medical Loss Ratio standards become effective Jan. 1, 2011. These new standards must be reflected in new rate filings. Also, the Department of Health and Human Services is establishing guidelines to define ‘unreasonable’ rate increases. Additional filing requirements may be required when the new regulations are developed.

Every licensed insurance premium service company must keep and maintain its records for at least three years after making the final entry on any premium service agreement. The records must be open to examination and investigation at any time by the department, according to Section 38-39-50 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.

The premium service company must deliver to the insured a 10-day notice of its intent to cancel the insurance contract. No less than five days after the expiration of the notice, the insurance premium service company may request in the name of the insured cancellation of the insurance contract by delivering the notice of cancellation to the insurer, according to Section 38-39-90 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.

An insurance premium service company cannot induce an insured to become obligated under more than one premium service agreement for the purpose of obtaining more than one nonrefundable charge. Additionally, an insurance premium service company cannot intentionally cancel an insurance contract for the purpose of obtaining an additional nonrefundable charge on a new premium service agreement accepted within sixty days of the cancellation of the prior agreement. This is according to Section 38-39-80(f) of the SC Code of Laws.

If the crediting of return premiums to the insured’s account results in a surplus over the amount due from the insured, the insurance premium service company must refund the excess to the insured or the agent of record. A refund is not required if it amounts to less that $5, according to Section 38-39-90(f) of the SC Code of Laws.

To apply for a SC Safe Home grant, please visit Apply for a Grant on the SC Safe Home webpage and submit an application via the online portal.Video tutorials are available to assist applicants with the application submission process.

If you are having trouble logging in, click Reset Password on the login page of the SC Safe Home webpage. From there you will be prompted to enter the email address you used to sign up for the SC Safe Homewebsite. If the email address you enter is valid, a password reset link will be sent to the email address.

No, the program cannot reimburse you for retrofits you have already done, in accordance with state law. You must have an inspection and receive grant approval from the SC Safe Home before the retrofits are done to be eligible..

To qualify for a SC Safe Home grant, the home must meet the following requirements; the home must be located in the coastal region of South Carolina, must be owner-occupied, primary residence, site built or manufactured/modular, must not have existing previous damage, and the home and homeowner together must not have previously received and utilized a SC Safe Home grant.

It is sometimes necessary to submit changes or corrections to an application submission. If any errors are identified in a submission they must be corrected. To make these corrections, contact the SC Safe Home staff at (803) 737-6207 and our staff will be happy to make the necessary changes for you.

It is the responsibility of the homeowner to contact a wind inspector. It is also the responsibility of the homeowner to pay the certified wind inspector for the Wind Inspection Report. Please note that wind assessments and reports will not exceed $150.00. SC Safe Home requires the estimate for the retrofit to be submitted along with the completed SC Safe Home grant application. SC Safe Home encourages homeowners to “shop” the list of participating contractors to get more than one estimate for the specified retrofits. Please request proof of insurance and licensure from the contractor of your choice.

If the status bar is highlighted in green, the South Carolina Safe Home program is currently accepting new applications. If the status bar is highlighted in yellow, the South Carolina Safe Home program is currently accepting limited new applications. If the status bar is highlighted in red, the South Carolina Safe Home program is not accepting new applications.

SC Safe Home has implemented an online application process to ensure efficiency and to provide better customer service and communication. The online application will allow you to keep track of your application’s tasks and status throughout the process. Free internet access is available at all public library locations. In addition, there are many free, web-based email providers that are currently available to suit your needs and it only takes a few minutes to create an email account. You may submit a paper application, however, the application will be received in a timelier manner when submitted electronically.

All grants will be determined based on the cost of the mitigation project and a percentage of the total adjusted household income of the applicant as per the most recent federal income tax return. However, once funds are exhausted for the year, the program will cease issuing new grants.

You will need a (1) copy of your property tax assessment with the Tax Map Sequence (TMS) number, (2) the TMS numbers of the properties to the left, right and facing your home, (3) a copy of your latest 1040 or other income tax return, (4) a copy of your homeowner’s insurance declaration page, (5) a SC Safe Home Inspection Report of your home completed by a participating SC Safe Home Inspector and (6) photographs of the home, supplied by the SC Safe Home Inspector.

Two factors determine what you pay for auto insurance. The first factor is underwriting and the second factor is rating. Insurance companies underwrite to assess the risk associated with an applicant, group the applicant with other similar risks and decide if the company will accept the application. Based on the results of the underwriting process, the rating assigns a price based on what the insurer believes it will cost to assume the financial responsibility for the applicant’s potential claim.

A service contract is defined as a contract or agreement for a separately stated consideration for a specific duration to perform the repair, replacement, or maintenance of property or indemnification for repair, replacement, or maintenance for the operational or structural failure due to a defect in materials, workmanship, or normal wear and tear, with or without additional provisions for incidental payment of indemnity under limited circumstances including, but not limited to, towing, rental, and emergency road service. Service contracts may provide for the repair, replacement, or maintenance of property for damage resulting from power surges and accidental damage from handling, according to §38-78-20(12) .

A warranty is made solely by the manufacturer, importer, or seller of property or services without charge, is not negotiated or separated from the sale of the product, that is incidental to the sale of the product, and guarantees indemnity for defective parts, mechanical or electrical breakdown, labor, or other remedial measures, such as repair or replacement of the property or repetition of services, as according to §38-78-20(14).

Reimbursement insurance policies insuring service contracts issued, sold, or offered for sale in this state shall conspicuously state that the insurer that issued the policy shall either reimburse or pay on behalf of the provider any covered sums the provider is legally obligated to pay or in the event of the provider's nonperformance, shall provide the service that the provider is legally obligated to perform according to the provider's contractual obligations under the service contracts issued or sold by the provider, as according to §38-78-40.

Service contracts not insured under a reimbursement insurance policy shall contain a statement stating, "Obligations of the provider under this service contract are backed by the full faith and credit of the provider," as according to §38-78-50(C).

The insurer who issued the reimbursement insurance policy may not terminate the policy until a notice of termination has been mailed or delivered to the department in accordance with Chapter 75 of the SC Code of Laws (§38-78-80).

Yes, service contracts marketed, issued, sold, or offered for sale should be easy to read and must disclose the requirements set forth in § 38-78-50 of the SC Code of Laws. In addition, the department requires that all service contract providers disclose the department name and address regarding disputed claims on their contracts.

No bank, savings and loan association, lending institution, manufacturer, or seller of any product shall require the purchase of a service contract as a condition of a loan or a condition for the sale of any property, as according to §38-78-60(c).

The initial expansion was effective on March 30, 2007, and the additional expansion was effective on June 1, 2007. The expansions will continue in effect until March 29, 2013, unless changed via an order of the director or action by the South Carolina General Assembly.

The territory in which the South Carolina Wind and Hail Underwriting Association may provide wind and hail insurance coverage (i.e., coverage that protects property from losses due to hurricane, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, other catastrophic wind and hail) has been expanded to include some additional areas. This is an initial expansion and it is limited. It is intended to help improve availability by providing access to wind and hail insurance coverage to consumers who have had difficulty obtaining that coverage. It is also intended to encourage more standard insurers to write insurance coverage in the wind pool territory.

This expansion is a part of a comprehensive approach to improve the availability and affordability of property insurance coverage being advanced by the governor, members of the General Assembly, and the director of insurance.

Some consumers whose coverage is currently written by a surplus lines carrier may see a reduction in what they are paying for property insurance coverage if they obtain coverage through the wind pool. The cost of coverage may increase for others if it is written by a standard carrier and the wind coverage is excluded.

If you are in the territory covered by the wind pool and meet the eligibility requirements for coverage, you may obtain coverage through the wind pool. Proper maintenance of the property one is seeking to insure is one of the criteria required for coverage.

The location of the expanded areas was determined through surveys, data calls, and discussions with producers, legislators, and consumers about the areas along the coast that are having the most significant availability problems.

You do not have to be in the wind pool if you can secure the insurance coverage you desire elsewhere. You always have the option of securing coverage from a standard insurance company, such as State Farm, South Carolina Farm Bureau, Travelers, Nationwide, Allstate, etc., or the surplus lines market. You should always shop around for the best coverage and rates.

The wind pool was not created to be the low cost provider of wind and hail insurance. Its rates will be higher than the standard market, but may be lower than some excess and surplus lines companies. This is why it is extremely important that you shop around and try to secure coverage through a standard insurer before going to the wind pool. The wind pool exists to provide coverage for consumers who cannot find that coverage in the standard market.

At the current time, we do not have any penalties for late submissions. If you enter a submission late, the tax application will prompt you for a late reason which you will choose from a drop-down box. However, we do impose a $200.00 Administrative penalty if the tax payment is not received in our office on or before the due date. This penalty is automatically assessed in the tax application.

No, the credits are only available for retrofits made to an existing residential structure that would make the existing structure more resistant to loss due to hurricane, rising floodwater, or other catastrophic windstorm event and meet the criteria provided in Regulation 69-75.

A written certification or a report (with certification) from a licensed professional with expertise in construction techniques, building design, or property inspection or appraisal including, but not limited to an: architect; appraiser; building inspector; or contractor stating that the fortification measure has been implemented in accordance with applicable standards. Copies of the applicable receipts must accompany the certification or report.

An affidavit from the individual taxpayer certifying that the fortification measures have been implemented. Copies of the applicable receipts must accompany the affidavit.

A taxpayer may amend his 2007 tax return to claim the credits for qualifying expenditures. File SC1040X and South Carolina Schedule TC-43 to claim the credits. The credits should be claimed on Line 9 of the SC1040X. In order to receive a refund, this amended return must be filed within 3 years of the original filing date or 3 years from the date of filing if a proper extension was filed and a return was filed by the extended due date. For individuals who filed their 2007 returns by April 15, 2008, the amended return must be filed by April 15, 2011.

Yes, a homeowner does not have to be a recipient of a SC Safe Home grant to qualify for the income tax credits. The projects and costs must, however, meet the requirements of Department of Insurance Regulation 69-75.

No, the credits cannot be claimed if the only money spent on the fortification project was grant money that was not included in income on the homeowner’s individual income tax return. (See S.C. Code Sections 12-6-3660 and 12-6-3665).

Note: Whether or not the grant money is included in taxable income for income tax purposes is a federal income tax question, which cannot be answered by the Department of Revenue or the Department of Insurance.

Yes, if the homeowner received a grant that was included in the income of the homeowner for income tax purposes, the homeowner can claim the tax credit for both the grant money and personal money spent on the fortification project.

Note: Whether or not the grant money is included in taxable income for income tax purposes is a federal income tax question, which cannot be answered by the Department of Revenue or the Department of Insurance.

Yes, whenever an insurer utilizes the services of a TPA under terms of a written agreement as required, the payment to the TPA of any premiums or charges for insurance by or on behalf of the insured is considered to have been received by the insurer, as according to Section 38-51-50.

TPAs can pay claims from withdrawals made from the fiduciary account. However, any withdrawals from the fiduciary account must be stated in the written agreement. Claims paid from funds collected on behalf of the insurer must be paid only on drafts authorized by the insurer, as according to Sections 38-51-90 and 38-51-100.

TPAs compensation may be based on the premium or charges collected or the number of claims paid or processed. The compensation may in no way be contingent on claim experience, as according to Section 38-51-110.

Yes, when the services of a TPA are utilized, the TPA is to provide a written notice to the policyholder identifying the relationship between the TPA, policyholder, and the insurer. The notice must be approved by the insurer, as according to Section 38-51-120.

Utilization review is defined as a system for reviewing the necessary, appropriate, and efficient allocation of health care resources and services given or proposed to be given to a patient or group of patients. §38.70.10(1)

No. A utilization review license is not transferable. If the business is sold or transferred, the issued certificate will automatically cancel. The surviving business must apply for a new certificate. SC Regulations §38.70.10(5)

Only companies who are licensed to write personal property (“personal”) and/or commercial property (“commercial”) insurance coverage in South Carolina and actively wrote over $1 million in premium for such policies in any one previous calendar year beginning in 2006 are required to respond.

Agents: No response is expected from any agents

Commercial Lines: Includes Business Owners Policy (BOP) and Special Multi Peril (SMP)

Please use all policies written in South Carolina (not just the wind pool territory) and calculate personal and commercial separately. For personal please use annual statement line 040 homeowners and for commercial please use lines 051 commercial multiple peril (non-liability).

Please use the predominant risk / location. For policies with locations that are split evenly between with wind vs. without wind, please split the policy count in half and report 0.5 in each with wind and without wind.

For recording policies, please use the predominant location. Please report those policies with locations that are split evenly between inside the Wind Pool (WP) territory (required to report) versus outside the WP territory (not required to report). There is no need to report those that have a predominate location outside the WP territory.

Please do not record policies cancelled and then reinstated in the same month. For policies cancelled one month and then reinstated the following month, please record one cancellation in the first month and one renewal in the following month.

"Total policies in force" is meant to be the overall total number of policies in force at the end of each month. It should be evaluated at the end of the month and should be equivalent to the total policies in force at the start of the month (i.e. end of the previous month) plus adjustments due to new policies, renewals (including reinstatements), and all types of cancellations made during the month.

Please note that it is not the sum of new policies and renewals minus cancellations. This would imply that there were no policies in force before the date range requested in the data call, all renewals were reinstatements, and there were no cancellations made by the insured (e.g. no lapses).

The data must be recorded monthly and reported to the department on a quarterly basis until further notice. The first submission was due Nov. 15, 2007, and covered the months Jan. through Sept. for 2006 and 2007 only.

Monthly data for Oct. through Dec. is requested by the subsequent Jan. 15 of the following year.

Subsequent submissions must be received by the 30th day following the end of each quarter thereafter and should, at a minimum, contain monthly data for the immediately preceding quarter (i.e. “current year”) and for the same months of the previous year (i.e. “prior year”).

Yes. The company will need to submit an annual data certification request as referenced in South Carolina Bulletin 2009-14 along with its fourth quarter data submission. This certification will need to be signed by an officer of the company, notarized, and submitted via email in PDF format.

The data call link may be found by visiting wind pool data call, which contains a list of all wind pool related information, including press releases, relevant orders, the original notice, worksheet, as well as a copy of this FAQ.